About Balapur Fort
Balapur Fort is a Mughal hill fort located in Balapur town, Akola district, Maharashtra, situated on elevated ground between the Man and Mhais rivers. Construction began in 1721 AD under Mirza Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, and was completed in 1757 AD by Ismail Khan, Nawab of Ellichpur. The fort features three concentric gateways, lofty brick bastions, and currently houses government offices while remaining open to visitors.
Visitors guide
Visitors can explore a well-preserved Mughal fortress with three distinct gateways, high brick walls, and bastions designed for defense. The site includes internal wells, a mosque, and offers views of the surrounding river confluence. During monsoon season, floodwaters surround most of the fort perimeter. The Temple of Bala Devi is located directly below the fort on the southern side.
Key highlights
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Mughal architecture with three concentric gateways
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Constructed between 1721 AD and 1757 AD
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Situated at the junction of Man and Mhais rivers
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Features decagonal outer fort and pentagonal inner fort
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Contains historic mosque and three wells inside
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Surrounded by floodwater during monsoon season
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Temple of Bala Devi located beneath the fort
History of Balapur Fort
Construction began in 1721 AD by Mirza Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb, and was completed in 1757 AD by Ismail Khan, Nawab of Ellichpur. The fort served as an important military station during the Mughal era and is considered one of the strongest forts in the Vidarbha and Khandesh regions. It also contains the Chhatri of Raja Man Singh I, built by Mirza Raja Jaisingh.
Culture & Context
The town derives its name from the Temple of Bala Devi located just below the fort on the southern side. The site represents significant Mughal architectural heritage in the Vidarbha region and continues to serve administrative functions housing government offices.
Route
| By road |
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